The camp dwellers say they feel safer watching over each other in a large group than living scattered on the streets; they are determined to remain despite repeated attempts by the state to clear them out.

Though neither have their party's endorsement, Republican candidate Tim Pawlenty and DFL candidate Tim Walz have raised significantly more campaign cash than their rivals in the last weeks before contested primaries.

More Stories

Both the DFL and Republican gubernatorial primaries are expected to be contentious, Sen. Tina Smith is looking to fend off a challenge from ethics lawyer Richard Painter and the DFL primary in the Fifth Congressional District could determine who goes to Washington.